893.6363/4–2949: Telegram
The Consul General at Tientsin (Smyth) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 1—3:12 p. m.]
280. Deptel 80, April 21 [22].28 Figure mentioned in Deptel far too low. Following figures obtained confidentially from tanks oil companies [Page 1011] show companies’ present stocks at Tientsin, Peiping and Tangku:
Motor gasoline (American gallons), Shell 141,200; Standard-Vacuum 284,000; Caltex 1,028,800; total 1,454,800. Kerosene (American gallon), Shell 103,960; Standard-Vacuum 495,000; Caltex 10,630; total 609,590. Aviation gasoline (American gallon), Shell 221,380; Standard-Vacuum 11,590; Caltex 11,500 ton* [sic] total 348,470 [sic]. Aviation lubricants (American gallons), Shell 460; Standard-Vacuum 27,280; Caltex 23,820; total 51,560. Diesel oils (metric tons), Shell 1,060; Standard-Vacuum 1,090; Caltex 980; total 3,130. Commercial lubricants (American gallons), Shell 125,400; Standard-Vacuum. 216,470; Caltex 508,940; total 880,810* [sic]. Empty 53 American gallon drums, Shell 52,300; Standard-Vacuum 24,400; Caltex 31,600; total 108,300.
Only figures on military stocks at Tientsin represent amounts taken: over from Nationalists on capture city in January. These stocks were: motor gasoline 50,000 to 60,000 drums or about 3 million American gallons.
Aviation gas 1500* [sic] drums or about 800,000 American gallons. Some of above has been consumed but no way of knowing how much. Also fire at ex-Japanese supply dump April 16 (see ourtel 252, April 1829) destroyed an estimated 10,000 drums.
Motor gasoline imported into Tientsin since occupation January reported as 1,614,100 American gallons; of this 1,320,000 gallons came by rail cars from Manchuria in barter arrangement with Soviets; 225,200 gallons were Standard-Vacuum gas bought in Hong Kong, shipped on barter basis by Chinese merchant, and same applies to 66,900 gallons Caltex gas which arrived here recently.
Other items imported since occupation: kerosene: 90,100 gallons of which 53,000 Standard-Vacuum and 37,100 Caltex. Diesel oil: 252 tons Standard-Vacuum imported from Hong Kong. Shipment of 53,000 gallons lubricating oil also came from Hong Kong, origin unknown.
Impossible estimate even roughly how long above stocks will last. Average total monthly sales during 1948 were 330,000 gallons kerosene and 500,000 gallons gasoline, but conditions not same now. Rate of consumption will depend largely on attitude of Communist government re granting of foreign exchange. Present cocky attitude reported due to fact they expect pick up large stock gas occupation Shanghai. Oil companies state will make no further imports unless exchange question is settled.